Sports Concussion

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now recognize sports concussion as a significant public health issue. Most athletes will recover from concussion in a week or two, but complications can occur if a concussion is not properly recognized or treated. Athletes who continue or resume playing before they are fully recovered from concussion are at increased risk for more severe problems. Athletes with a history of multiple concussions may also be at increased risk.

Every concussion needs to be treated seriously, and recommendations for return-to-play after concussion should only be made by qualified professionals. Current guidelines for the management of sports concussion indicate that athletes must be symptom-free, both at rest and with exertion, before they can resume play. Neurocognitive testing is also recommended to help determine when an athlete is fully recovered from concussion.

High school age athletes seem to take longer to recover, and may be more vulnerable to re-injury before full recovery. The New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) has partnered with the Upstate Sports Concussion Center and others in a state-wide education campaign aimed at promoting proper concussion management in high school sports.

The 4th International Conference on Concussion in Sport was held in Zurich, Switzerland in 2012.

The Upstate Sports Concussion Center at Upstate University Hospital seeks opportunities to promote proper management of sports concussion through community education and outreach. If you would like more information about this initiative, or if you are interested in arranging a workshop or presentation on sports concussion, call 315 464-8986.